Reading, Reading...Wherefore Art Thou Reading?

Now that the e-zine has (finally) been published, things are moving towards holding the reading. You may have thought that with all the recent activities that it wasn't going to happen....WRONG! When I said we were planning a reading, we were definitely planning a reading. Because everything has been stretched, pulled and pummeled into place, things have been taking a little longer than originally planned.

Since we haven't made anything official however, I am forbidden to tell you. Once we've chalked down a full plan, I'll put it here for your viewing pleasure. Until then, just wanted to give you all a heads up that the reading will take place, and it will be one among a series of readings...which may or may not stretch into Lahore & Karachi judging by the success of the ones we host in Islamabad.

The only sure way to be successful is to spread the word...to your friends and friends of friends. For now, only people we know and who know others will be allowed. Like an invite only thing...again, judging by the reception of the first one, we'll broaden attendance for the next. We will also be holding an open floor allowing budding poets from the audience to come up and read out their stuff.

And that's about all the details I can give you. More as and when they come to me. Meanwhile, check out the 'zine...it's live, published and hopefully better than before. What do you think? Weigh in below.

Volume 3 Published!

It's taken a while, and a much longer time that initially expected but it's finally happened: we have arrived with a tumultuous roar.

This issue also represents the first one where I've really exercised my "powers" so to speak. Meow?

:)

The Best Laid Plans

I know I promised a server switch over the weekend in the forums, but I've been a little lazy. Also, I've been mulling over other potential would-be hosts and have decided to go with the original I had in mind. In any case, we will be moving away from our current one, soon. Just need to sit down one of these days, and make a copy of everything which is the one thing I'm really not looking forward to at all. At all, at all.

Also putting our website and forums out of business for a while is another thing I'm not looking forward to, especially when they're particularly alive and kicking right about now. So, things to consider. Meanwhile, of course, the e-zine just keeps being delayed and delayed doesn't it? Despite the best laid plans and the best of intentions, things don't always work out like they're supposed to.

However, that said, our host does seem to have recovered itself somewhat from its downturn episodes, and I might be able to whip up something soon. Incidentally, everything has been done, they're just a few things to be tweaked and then we'll be all ready.

Oooh...just realized March approaches, and the issue has to be up before March. There is one piece that might be slashed further. As the count currently stands, we've got 10 pieces that have made the cut, out of which only 1 has survived in its category. Won't give away too much, mustn't spoil the surprise after all. Removing another would bring the count to 9, which is by far, the least number of pieces that have ever been featured in our e-zine but, and this goes without saying, this is by far the best issue we've released. Primarily because there have been some checks in terms of quality control.

Unfortunately, because this issue also represented a deviation from the norm, I'm afraid it hasn't made me any friends! :) It's tough being editor-"in-chief" of this place. I have to say I like being just the writer a whole lot better. That said, I don't think anyone else could possibly realize the vision for this place better. Oh well!

One last decision to make and then it's home free...fingers crossed that our efforts will be appreciated--writers, editors, readers and critics--couldn't have done it without 'em!

Server Rumbles...?

So having recently switched to Wateen's "future", a pun to their advertisements of course, I have since been having weird troubles with accessing Desi Writers Lounge's servers, although this problem was fluctuating with my previous provider. Since I have no other means to ask (I can't access this website 'o mine), has anyone been experiencing sporadic moments of downtime on the website? Please let me know, and those who view this, please tell other members about this entry so we can resolve this problem...or for that matter, determine whether or not this is even a problem.

Fortunately, there is a solution out of this: we can switch servers. This of course, brings its own set of headaches. Anyway, if this is a universal problem, then the answer is definite: we switch. If, however, if it isn't...well, that's my problem isn't it? :)

Of Strikes & Other News

Now that the writers strike is finally over, we can all collectively breathe a sigh of relief. More importantly, as reported by UH.com (linked on the left), it occurred on the writers own terms. A literary triumph over the power suits; there is something to be said of the power of the written word.

In other news, I've re-usurped my editorial duties and as such, am fully on target to meet my February Vol 3 publication date. Still finalizing a few pieces however, I'm on the line about one and as such, may have two further rejection letters to send out. I've been holding off on the publication for this reason. Should have a final decision about the matter by later tonight. What follows is hopefully a productive weekend for the website.

Elaborate marketing is being held off for a little while, until the thing I mentioned a few posts back, the thing we are all intensely excited about, has been elaborately planned and once we've got that little reading out of the way. What would you think of carrying bookmarks home at the end of the reading, as a souvenir of sorts? For one thing, you can actually use them as bookmarks...genius! For another, you'll remember the evening...or well, hopefully! :)

So this weekend will, in all likelihood, see the publication of Volume 3 and hopefully this issue will set the precedent for all the issues to follow. Lots of luck wishing and backslapping is in order. Till my next post then!

The Question...

'ello peeps. Yes, I realize that that's a little uncustomary of me and what follows will continue in that vein. So to cut a long story short, I'm pasting the exact same thing I said on the forums for our non-member viewing pleasure.


"Hello everyone,

I realize the publication date has been pushed forward repeatedly. Just wanted everyone to know that I've been extremely busy lately, haven't had time for anything including *gasp* all things Lounge related. I only recently penned a story, which I am ecstatic about...and that was on the only weekend I've been lucky enough to get off.

Along with that, the Internet on my end has been spotty though everything's been resolved now. Glory be! I guess the only thing left to do now is to actually put up them pieces. Please note: not everyone who was contacted and worked with an editor, has made the cut. In fact, several pieces have been slashed (how very horror fest of me) to showcase the ones, in this humble editor's opinion (I played no part in actually working with any of the writers. I'm just the evil one who goes down and sucks the life out of people...it's late and I'm writing this in bed, reminding myself I need to be up early, so forgive the dramatics) that spoke for themselves.

This weekend was supposed to be The Weekend where I could put everything up, and my thanks go especially to Clarice who has worked with me on this. She's really done more than I could ask from her.

Anyway, this weekend was also my only weekend off and I am not ashamed to say that I put my own writing and leisurely activities before this. However, in my defense, the site wasn't working for me today. It's working now, and I'm assuming that whatever fiber optic cable was damaged, has since been repaired. Otherwise, I'm doomed obviously.

So to sum it up, I know things haven't gone according to plan but I do remember the e-zine and it will be released this month. Who knows? Maybe I might coordinate it with my birthday? Or better yet, hold out for a day, and give you all a Valentine's Day gift. :)

The Icky Stuff

In case some of you don't know about the recent fiber optic cable cut beneath Egypt and Italy, allow me to introduce you to the facts: no internet. Or at the very least, spotty internet. What does this mean? It means the publication date's been shoved forward. Just because I can't do it, however, doesn't mean the work won't still be done...I'll be pulling the strings while the GM (global moderator) will be doing all the hard labor. Tough job, but someone has to do it.

Naturally, because an ocean separates us coordinating times and bypassing risky schedules has put a damper on things. That being said, however, we are working around this.

The reading is still planned, any ideas any of you might have you can drop into the comments of the blog or email me personally at maryam@desiwriterslounge.net. We do appreciate the feedback you know, and contrary to legend, we don't bite.

Promise.